SA vs NZ: In an exciting and dramatic semi-final clash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs, despite a record-breaking effort from David Miller.
The match, held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, saw New Zealand put up a massive total of 362 runs, and South Africa could not stand the target other than Miller who smashed a century that went in vain. Rachin Ravindra became the architect of the victory with a knock of 108 runs and was awarded Player of the match for the same.
New Zealand’s Dominant Performance: A Strong Total to Defend in SA vs NZ
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Earlier in the game, New Zealand dominated the game with their bat. When put to bat first, they easily put up a total of 362 for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs. The two openers, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson were the bedrock of New Zealand’s innings, each scoring centuries.
Ravindra was forceful and forceful, making 108 runs off 101 balls, with 13 fours and a six, while Williamson’s 102 runs off 94 balls contained 10 fours and two sixes.
The duo’s alliance was pivotal in New Zealand’s dominant position, the two putting together a good 164-run partnership for the second wicket. Even after Williamson’s dismissal, the middle order continued to keep the scoreboard ticking with Daryl Mitchell contributing 49 runs and Glenn Phillips unbeaten on 49*.
South African Bowlers cant’s stop NZ batsmen
South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s powerful batting. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were the pick of the bowlers, taking two and three wickets respectively, but the Kiwi batsmen’s dominance left little room for South Africa to build any significant pressure. Wiaan Mulder also took a wicket, but it was a difficult task for the bowlers to stop the flow of runs.
David Miller’s Record-Breaking Century in SA vs NZ Champions Trophy semi-final
South Africa’s middle-order sensation David Miller produced a spectacular individual performance where he hit 100 runs from only 67 balls, creating the fastest century in the Champions Trophy history. Not only did this remarkable feat keep South Africa’s chances but also shattered a record that had been held for a long time.
Prior to Miller, the fastest century in Champions Trophy history was held by India’s Virender Sehwag, who had achieved a century off 77 balls against England in 2002. Miller’s innings now stand as a testament to his brilliant batting skills, but for all his heroics, his side came up short of the target.
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Miller’s ICC ODI Knockout Records
Miller’s knocks in ICC knockout cricket have been incredibly consistent, this current century notching his lengthening list of notable knockouts in the competition’s history. His record contains:
– 56* (51 balls) vs England, The Oval, CT 2013 SF
– 49 (18 balls) against New Zealand, Auckland, CWC 2015 SG
– 101 (116 balls) against Australia, Kolkata, CWC 2023 SF
– 100* (67 balls) vs New Zealand, Lahore, CT 2025 SF
Although Miller’s input was massive, it did not prove to be enough for victory for South Africa, as the team’s run chase was incomplete.
Miller’s Heroic Finish in South Africa’s Failed Chase
The match saw South Africa at 259 for 9 after 46 overs, needing 104 runs from the final 24 balls. At that point, Miller was batting on 47 runs off 43 balls, with Lungi Ngidi at the other end.
In a remarkable display of resilience and power, Miller faced all 24 balls of the final four overs and scored 53 runs, including an astonishing 18 runs off the last over against Kyle Jamieson. His century came off the last ball of the match, where he took two runs to bring up the milestone.
But despite Miller’s brilliant batting, South Africa only scored 312 runs, short of the daunting total of New Zealand’s 362 runs, and thereby lost the match to be knocked out of the tournament.
Final Score and Match Summary
New Zealand’s 362 runs were too many for South Africa, who completed their chase at 312/9 in 50 overs. Even with David Miller’s centurion effort, South Africa lost by 50 runs. New Zealand went to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with this win.
Looking Ahead: New Zealand vs India in the Final Champions Trophy 2025
This semi-final win places New Zealand now in the much-awaited final, where they play India on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The final will be a high-voltage game, with both teams being in top-notch form during the entire tournament.
While New Zealand will be keen to take advantage of its present momentum, India will be keen to win the coveted title and claim another trophy for their trophy cabinet. The cricketing world is in for a grand finale.
ALSO READ: Steve Smith’s Top 3 Historic Centuries That Shaped His ODI Legacy
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